The team recently created (and patented) an inexpensive process to create hydrogen onboard airplanes by combining water already on the planeÂ with aluminum powder. TheÂ hydrogen generated on-demandÂ is converted into electrical energy for use on the plane, replacing more polluting potential power sources.

The patent

The Technion research team solved some of the challengesÂ by mixing aluminum powder and water to produce hydrogen. Whatâ€™s interesting about the process is the scientists used wastewaterâ€”thatâ€™s right, from toilets on the planeâ€”in addition to clean water to conduct their experiment.

The resulting hydrogen was channeled through a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell to generateÂ electrical energy, which can be used on board an aircraft.

This innovative process of generating electricity could lead to â€ścleanerâ€ť and less costly power sources for aircraft. An article on the American Technion Society (ATS) websiteÂ suggests â€śthe breakthrough could pave the way for less-polluting, more-electric aircraft that replace hydraulic and pneumatic systems typically powered by the main engine.â€ť

Valery Rosenbrand, one of the researchers, explains that PEM fuel cells are a better method to generateÂ electrical energy. â€śThe possibility of using available, onboard wastewater boosts both the efficiency and safety of the system,â€ť Rosenbrand says in the article.

PEM fuel cells have several benefits over traditional power sourcesâ€”they reduce pollution, theyâ€™re quieter, theyâ€™re low-maintenance, and theyâ€™re not dependent on a central power grid.

Additional energy saving role in ground operations, e.g., de-icing the plane and heating food and water on board.

Some aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing and Airbus, have already experimented with the technology. If fuel cell technology â€śtakes offâ€ť (pun intended) with the rest of the aircraft industry, would the long-term savings to airlines be given back to us consumers in the form of, say, free on-board wi-fi?